A break-in at ShopColumbia on Monday, June 29 is being investigated by Chicago police, after an offender stole unspecified property from the store at approximately 10 a.m., according to a police report.

The store, located at 619 S. Wabash Ave., sells Columbia merchandise and student and alumni work. The artists can receive 75% commission through their sales. 

There were no signs of forced entry or damage on site, according to the Chicago police report. The college did not send an announcement about the break-in.

The store’s Instagram shared on Monday that it would be closed “due to unforeseen circumstances.” The next day, it announced that it had reopened and thanked community members for their support. 

An officer who answered the phone at Columbia’s Campus Security Command Center declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation. An employee at ShopColumbia also would not comment.

Students who have work displayed or on sale at the store said they were shocked and concerned.

“It’s such a kind and beautiful spot. It’s just a very important community place, and the fact that somebody would target such a small store is absurd to me,” said Angela Kalish, who worked at the store for about two years and graduated this May. “I was very shocked.”

El Carrel, another May graduate, has work displayed in the Grad Showcases at the store. Their work includes paintings, books and stickers.

“I think security has been pretty tight in the past and I understand that sometimes these things happen,” Carrel said. “I am just glad everyone is okay.” 

Kalish said more cameras or sensors for surveillance when the store is closed might be needed.

During the summer, the shop’s hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

“It’s hard because I know how intense the school security can be,” Kalish said. “This just feels like a really weird situation.”

Copy edited by Venus Tapang